Heartland Communications Group Inc., a publishing company based in Fort Dodge since 1966, has been purchased by Catalyst Communications Network, of Atlanta, Georgia.

In announcing the purchase, leaders of Catalyst Communications Network said the local company’s employees will be absorbed by Catalyst. They added that the Heartland Communications name will remain in use.

The sale price was not disclosed.

“We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity,” Shae McBride, chief executive officer of Catalyst, said in a written statement. “We’re looking forward to opening new growth avenues for a business that has earned the trust of readers for decades.”

Heartland Communications did not issue any statement about the sale.

The local company produces more than 40 industry-specific buyers directories and magazines for the aviation, machinery, agriculture and construction equipment industries. Its publications include Crane Hot Line, Lift and Access, Telecom and Utility Construction, Contractors Hot Line, Parts Connection, Attachment Connection, Construction Equipment Guide and Crane Guide.

In addition to its downtown Fort Dodge headquarters, it has offices in Des Moines; Lincoln, Nebraska; Denver, Colorado; and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The company was established in 1966 by John Peed. Its first publication was Contractors Hot Line, a magazine intended to bring together buyers and sellers of used construction equipment. The early name of the company was Hot Line Publications Inc.

John Peed’s son, Joe Peed, joined the company in 1969. He became its president in 1974 and its chairman in 1976. Under his leadership, the number of publications was significantly expanded.

In about 1984, the company moved to the Carver Building at 1003 Central Ave. It has remained downtown since then.

In 1988, the company’s name was changed to Heartland Communications Group Inc.